The man who wrote our text for today had been a Christian for many years. He had founded a large number of churches, and was possibly the greatest of the first generation missionaries.

He wrote extensively on the subject of theology and church issues. Prior to his conversion to Christianity he had been a leading light in Judaism.

The context of our text describes Paul's many achievements. After relating how much he'd accomplished in his life, he declares it all "rubbish" for the sake of knowing the Saviour.

For a Jew of Paul’s day, the notion of “knowing” a person didn't mean to know details about them, it meant to have an intimate relationship with them. To know Christ was to imitate Him in every aspect of life. To be of one mind with Him.

In John 8:28 Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me” (ESV). Jesus was of one mind (and heart) with the Father. Aren't we to be "imitators of God, as beloved children"? (Ephesians 5:1 ESV)

So when the apostle spoke of his great desire to know Christ, he didn't mean that he wanted to know facts about Jesus, such as where He was born, or how many apostles He had. No. He was seeking a relationship with the Saviour where he would think Christ’s thoughts, experience the emotional life of the Lord and treasure what Christ treasured.

Do you know Christ in this manner?

Do you derive great pleasure from prayer to Him, to where you delight in imitating Him, and weep—as you see how He suffered for your sins?

Is it your great joy in life to honour and praise your Saviour?

This is what it means to “know” the Lord Jesus Christ. May your knowledge of the Lord go far beyond knowing facts about Him, and instead find yourself in a place where you are daily lost in wonder love and praise—when you meditate on Him.

“Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God's judgment, hating what He hates, loving what He loves, and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word.” J.C. Ryle